Outrage in Rivers State After Abduction of Politician Richard Ogidi
A former Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Henry Ugboma, has criticised authorities in Rivers State following the abduction of a local politician, Richard Ogidi.
Mr Ogidi, described as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was reportedly taken from his residence in the early hours of 23 April in the Rumuekini area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
More than four days after the incident, his whereabouts remain unknown, raising concern among family members and political associates.
Prof Ugboma, who is also a governorship aspirant under the ADC in Rivers State, questioned what he described as the lack of public response from state and local authorities, including officials in Obio/Akpor and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas.
He said the absence of official statements condemning the abduction had heightened anxiety and called on the government to fulfil its responsibility to protect citizens.
The Rivers State government has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Prof Ugboma also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue Mr Ogidi, warning that a rise in kidnappings and related crimes could worsen insecurity in the state.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a persistent challenge in parts of southern Nigeria, including Rivers State, despite ongoing security operations.
